1961 Abarth 600 vs. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 600 would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (165 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 600. (47 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 925 kg more than 1961 Abarth 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Mercedes-Benz S (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 600. (66 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 600 | 1988 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 600 | S |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2950 mm |
